Carson's Closed

Haven't seen a post about it here, but when I drove by yesterday, I noticed the Carson's Ribs at Clark and Ridge is gone. Hadn't been there since it was the Town and Country. (Wow, am I OLD!!)

I was curious, so went to http://www.ribs.com/ and their locations are currently merely 612 N Wells (Chicago, derr) and 200 N Waukegan in Deerfield... but have a 'coming soon' Arlington Heights, Glencoe and Tinley Park.

The Skokie location has been closed for a decade (I used to live across the street and the smell of ribs cancelled my cooking plans several times). I figure that this mecca for Jews venturing into trafe is following the demographic: the far north side just isn't as Jewish as it used to be, just like Skokie. That and the fact that those properties could bring in much more value as multi-story (a bunch of condo units went in in Skokie), makes it seem a reasonable decision.

Are they the best ribs in the Chicago area? Not by a lot of measures.
But they are what I learned as my baseline standard, and their aroma brings back many memories. They are firmly in the non-meat-jello camp, which is a big plus, and I'm not sure there's another tableclothed, sit-down rib place like it: my mom is certainly not going into most of the rib shacks in town (although she might eat it if carried out).

This was announced a few weeks ago by Chicago Mag's "Dish" newsletter. Not only did they close the Ridge location, but they're spending “a couple of million dollars” to renovate the River North and Deerfield spots and opening more "Carson's Express" locations.

I'm not a big fan of Carson's these days, but I grew up not too far from the Ridge location. The yellow sign was always a visual landmark for me as a child. Every once in a while, my Dad would come home from work with three or four of their big white take-out boxes stacked high. This was always a big treat for me, if only for the potatoes au gratin. My mother would pop the potatoes under the broiler until the cheese got brown and crispy. I'd usually have a ton of it with some of their chicken or steak and their salad whcih always contained hearts of palm.

My little brother and I went on a North-Side nostalgia rib tour a few years ago and we both were disappointed to find that we really disliked the whole Carson's rib experience--except for those potatoes.

Best,
Michael

eatchicago wrote:My little brother and I went on a North-Side nostalgia rib tour a few years ago and we both were disappointed to find that we really disliked the whole Carson's rib experience--except for those potatoes.

That's been my feeling about Carson's for a long time now, although the chopped liver in the bar was a pretty good forespice.

The Harlem Avenue location is also closed.

stevez wrote:...the chopped liver in the bar was a pretty good forespice.

A key to the Carson's experience is the bar's chopped liver and cheese. If you get seated too quickly, make sure you ask your server to bring you some, they're happy to do so (don't forget the onions on the liver). As if you need more cholesterol-laden foods with a Carson's meal

I could never eat the ribs at Carson's after I formulated my theory that their BBQ sauce is just a mixture of ketchup, A1, and pimentos. I loved it as a kid but now the thought of it kinda makes me gag. I think Gale Street Inn is a far superior choice for these kind of ribs.

Carson's will be missed. At one time the North side of Chicago had numerous places that served ribs that were the same style as Carson's (I don't like "fall off the bone" meat on my baby back ribs) Sally's, Miller's, the Black Angus come to mind immediately (showing my age huh?). But they were the only ones left in the city. Guess I'm reduced to cooking my own. Does anyone have a spot for "chewy" ribs in Chicago proper? I know about Nightengale's in Highwood...

grandmai wrote:Carson's will be missed. At one time the North side of Chicago had numerous places that served ribs that were the same style as Carson's (I don't like "fall off the bone" meat on my baby back ribs) Sally's, Miller's, the Black Angus come to mind immediately (showing my age huh?). But they were the only ones left in the city. Guess I'm reduced to cooking my own. Does anyone have a spot for "chewy" ribs in Chicago proper? I know about Nightengale's in Highwood...

If by "chewy" you mean "not boiled" ribs, my two favorite rib joints in Chicago are Fat Willy's (2414 W. Shubert) and Smokedaddy (1804 W. Division).

I like Carson's. I think they use high-quality meat and their chefs are capable if unadventurous.

For dinner, I ask for the tips (they're on the "secret menu").

Plus, they have free chopped liver in the bar.

David "If you want really good ribs, smoke them yourself" Hammond

About 3 weeks ago, my wife, the Condiment Queen, was hankering for ribs. Sure, there are better ribs in the city at places like Barbara Ann's, but she wanted a ribs meal. Time and time again (almost), Carson's delievers. The whole package. Chopped liver on cocktail rye, cheese spread on ritz, crisp, bland iceberg drenched in dressings, cesear for me, house anchovy for her; the kidz had cole slaw just as good. Then, slabs of ribs and outstanding potato choices. Those potatoes are about the best thing, and the choices so hard. Luckily a family of four can try three: au gratin, skins, and twice baked. Ribs can be just darn fine without smoke rings, without rub, without the pleasure of the pit. These are them. Firm, sufficiently fatty, porcine. A great meal.

I do not think I ever had the ribs at Carsons, cuz I would have their pork chops. Thick and cooked the way I like them, rare. Paired with the potatos, a great meal.

sabersix wrote:I do not think I ever had the ribs at Carsons, cuz I would have their pork chops. Thick and cooked the way I like them, rare. Paired with the potatos, a great meal.

Me, I go with the Sampler so I can have ribs and chops, which were quite good and surprisingly moist for such big boys. You really have your pork chops "rare"?

David "Pass the Pork Tartare" Hammond

Let me also put in a good word for Carsons, which is an excellent venue if you're stuck downtown with unadventurous (meat-and-potato) out-of-towners (parents? in-laws?) and in search of a "reasonable" meal with a Chicago pedigree.

Paul SL wrote:Haven't seen a post about it here, but when I drove by yesterday, I noticed the Carson's Ribs at Clark and Ridge is gone. Hadn't been there since it was the Town and Country. (Wow, am I OLD!!)

The long-vacant Carson’s, The Place For Ribs, parcel at 5970 N. Ridge Avenue officially has a tenant. Starbucks has a signed a lease for a new coffee shop.

https://chicago.eater.com/2017/12/20/16 ... ood-report

Dave148 wrote:

Paul SL wrote:Haven't seen a post about it here, but when I drove by yesterday, I noticed the Carson's Ribs at Clark and Ridge is gone. Hadn't been there since it was the Town and Country. (Wow, am I OLD!!)

The long-vacant Carson’s, The Place For Ribs, parcel at 5970 N. Ridge Avenue officially has a tenant. Starbucks has a signed a lease for a new coffee shop.

https://chicago.eater.com/2017/12/20/16 ... ood-report

I'm glad something is going in there--I drive by there often--but does it have to be another Starbucks?

EvA wrote: I'm glad something is going in there--I drive by there often--but does it have to be another Starbucks?

Oh? How would you react if it was announced to be a Portillo's, or Giordano's location?

I'd be thrilled if it were a Portillo's. There's already a Giorgano's close to me.